With plenty of lakes, trails, parks and nature reserves, there is lots to do outdoors in North Texas. If you love spending time in nature, make a day of it by taking your family or friends on a geocaching trip. Here are some of the most popular geocaching spots in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Lake Lewisville
Lake Lewisville, often referred to as Lewisville Lake, is a popular geocaching spot in the DFW area. Lake Lewisville is a man-made lake on 29,000 acres. It was built in 1929 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. With 187 miles of shoreline, 9,000 acres of reserved land, more than 20 parks and miles of scenic hiking trails, it is no wonder that Lake Lewisville is one of the most popular geocaching sites in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
To get to Lewisville Lake from Dallas, head north on the Tollway. To get there from Fort Worth, head north on 1-35W.
photo credits: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
Another popular site for geocaching in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve. This 121-acre preserve is in the heart of Dallas and boasts more than five miles of hiking, biking and multi-use trails amidst green grass, tall trees and wildlife.
One drawback of the Oak Cliff Preserve is that there is a lack of sufficient parking. If the small lot is filled, you will need to park on the street.
The Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is in Dallas, bordered by Westmoreland Road on the west, Kiest Boulevard on the south, Hampton Road on the east and Illinois Avenue on the north. It is just west of the Renaissance Hospital of Dallas.
Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge
A hidden gem just inside of Fort Worth’s city limits, the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is a popular location for geocaching in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails on this 3600+ acres of wilderness, on which you can take in forests, prairies, and wetlands.
While you hunt for a geocache, you can also keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Bison, bobcats and deer roam the refuge, as do many colorful birds, slithering snakes and basking lizards.
To get to the Nature Center, take Loop I-820, exit onto Jacksboro Highway and go west four miles. The refuge is just off Confederate Park Road.
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Rounding out this list of the most popular geocaching spots in the Dallas/Fort Worth area is the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve. This park, maintained by the City of Plano, has 200 acres of picturesque views with miles of both paved and unpaved trails. Take in the sites from the observation tower before heading off to hunt for your geocache, or lunch at one of the three pavilions.
Check the weather before you head to the preserve, though, as unpaved trails will be closed during and briefly following wet weather.
The Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is located at 6701 West Parker Road in Plano.
